Trump Hints at Fresh Sanctions, India Faces Possible Tariff Heat Over Russian Oil

US President Donald Trump on Sunday signaled he is open to another round of sanctions on Russia over the Ukraine war. Asked at the White House if he was ready, Trump replied, “Yeah, I am,” but offered no further details.

The remark came just hours after US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent urged tougher measures on countries buying Russian oil — with India a major focus. Bessent argued that only a collapse of Russia’s economy could force President Vladimir Putin to negotiate peace.

“More sanctions, more secondary tariffs on countries that buy Russian oil will bring Putin to the table,” Bessent told NBC.

Although he did not name specific nations, India has faced steep US tariffs for continuing oil imports from Moscow. Vice President JD Vance has even branded the conflict “Modi’s war,” accusing India of “fueling the Russian war machine.” He described the punitive tariffs — 25% on top of existing duties, raising many Indian exports to 50% — as “leverage” against Putin.

India has strongly rejected this argument, insisting its Russian oil purchases are guided by sovereign national interest.

The latest developments come just days after Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi exchanged warm words publicly, underlining the complicated nature of US–India ties.

Meanwhile, the war in Ukraine worsened Sunday as Russian forces bombed the main government complex in Kyiv, escalating the crisis further.